Live Blog: How to Quit Without Saying the Word

Have your fantasies of pursuing a long time dream started to become real? Or have you decided the group you joined isn’t really working out anymore? Don’t get stuck in the endless cycle of continuing for fear of being a “quitter.”

Amanda will provide real life stories and tips on how to make the leap following your passion without burning a bridge or storming the castle.

• Amanda spent 9 years eCommerce and website consultant, and 5 years blogging at RunToTheFinish, being a freelance writer, website coach, social media consultant, brand ambassador, runner, traveler, yogi
• A popular quote is “Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit” – Vince Lombardi  – if you just try a little harder it’ll be okay, but there’s a point for everyone when it just isn’t right anymore
• When is it right?  You’re overworked, overcommitted, and just plain over it
• When you hit that point, you start to fantasize: if I could just leave this job I could have that moment when I say “I’m not coming in tomorrow” and I can read a book, inspire others, build a business, etc.
• There’s a reason why we don’t all just quit our jobs even though we have those fantasies
• Why don’t we quit: Feelings like “I didn’t try hard enough” fear of failure, what do I do now, Am I being ungrateful?
• Don’t quit….Leave.  Leaving is a well-though out process/choice to take you on a next step. It’s looking forward.
• Tricks to the graceful exit:
• Before:  Planning, Rehearsing, Motivation
• During: Calm, Clear, Actionable
• After: Follow through, leave on a high note, open door
• Planning:  Vent with someone that doesn’t know the people you’re discussing or the story/company (NOT a coworker) and explain things that aren’t working, then you can analyze it (do you really dislike EVERYTHING there, or has it only been one client, or one person, or one project), after you analyze, you may see that you have some options
• Companies WANT to keep you.  It costs them a lot more money to recruit, interview, train, assimilate them, etc. than it does just to make you happy
• You’re replaceable BUT companies are willing to work with you
• After you review your options and none of them feel right to you, it’s time to brainstorm.  Find people close to you and talk about what you want to do.  They may have ideas on some things you haven’t thought about.  Don’t sit down with the person who’s terrified of quitting because they won’t be helpful.
• After brainstorming, take action!  “I do not complain about things I am not willing to change.”  –  Decide to be happy there, or make a change.
• When NOT to quit:  If you are angry, desperate, frustrated or overwhelmed.  Take a break first.  Take a walk, take the rest of the day off, etc. because  it’ll affect future positions, burned bridges, hurt feelings, poor reflection of you
• What  not to say:  Don’t focus on the negative, don’t place blame, don’t get angry, TRY not to cry (easier said than done!)
• What to say:  Announcement, Gratitude, Transition Flexibility
• Rehearsing announcement:  Ensure boss knows first before anyone else, make it a orofessional discussion (forget the personal relationship you may have with them), choose the words to use: Resign, leave, choice, decision, move on” – choose from these words (at this time, I’ve made a decision that I need to explore some new skills), Resignation Letter (have it ready; find a template; reiterate what you said to them)
• Rehearsing Gratitude:  I learned…I appreciate…Thank you for the knowledge…
• Rehearsing the transition:  Give a lengthy notice (2 weeks is fine if you‘re in a hurry, but longer is better), Provide a general plan (shows you were thinking about them), Offer to answer questions after you leave, What if they counteroffer?
• Expect the worst, just in case.  “That’s great, pack your box today.”  They’re acting from a place of emotion, but you don’t have to
• Rehearsing wrap-up:  Run to the Finish (leave on a good note, don‘t pack it in; keep working as hard as ever), Social media lockdown (you’ll be feeling a ton of emotions and ideas; don‘t spread it all over your social media because your company may be looking), what to say to coworkers (this is not the time to start in with talking about people being jerks; focus on the future), is there an exit interview (be honest but guarded; don‘t focus on one person…focus on a system that may not work well), emotional outlets (freakout time)
• Helpful Tools:  Do Over Guy podcast, Tiny Buddha (free email with articles about people who are embracing life), TUT (email from the universe…Amanda, you are amazing.), Four Hour Work Week (how to monetize what you’re already doing)

This session was captured by Amy of A Little Nosh.